MSI Z97 MPOWER MAX AC Quick start guide

INTEL 9-SERIES

CHIP OVERCLOCKING SYSTEM

Z97 Platform Block Diagram

CPU Ratio

Using the same grading of the Haswell, the Z97 CPUs fall into the K-SKU and non-K SKU

grades. The K-SKU are equipped with the maximum multiplier up to 80x; while the non-K

SKU will be restricted by the Intel Turbo Ratio Limit. Therefore, if you want OC, choose the

K-SKU CPUs.

The Intel 9-Series Chipset is Intel’s main product for 2014. Strictly speaking, the structure of

the chips is a slightly modied version of the 8-Series chips with the support for PCI-e M.2

interface added. In terms of overclocking, they are identical to the 8-Series chips in their

structure as well as limitations. Therefore, the Z97 chip is the main chip for overclocking.

Coupled with the K-Series processors, it comes with a complete set of overclocking

options, such as CPU Ratio, BCLK and Memory Ratio. As the H97 is not capable of being

overclocked, the Z97 platform is thus the preferred platform for overclockers.

Please note that although the Z97 is an all-new product, Intel has yet to release any new

processors in the lineup concurrently. So, for now, gamers still have to rely on the Haswell

CPUs for overclocking, such as the currently available 4770K and 4670K. The new CPU

Codename is designated as Haswell Refresh and it is predicted to be a slightly modied

version of Haswell.

VCCIN

VDDQ

IVR

Cores

Last Level

Cache

Ring

System

Agent

PCIe

DMI

IOA, IOD

DDR

-2

Memory Ratio

Intel 9 Series chip OC Ability Comparison

CPU Base Clock

Intel 9 Series system Frequency Formula

Same with the Z87, the Z97 has added the Memory Ratio to the memory system, with

the highest at DDR3-3200(MSI Spec). Along with the exible base clock combination, it

is easier to congure different memory frequencies on the Z97 than the Z87 platform.

Same with the Z87 Platform. Intel has included the “ratio” concept in the base clock

of the Z97 this time, as the architecture of the Haswell is “CPU Base Clock=DMI/

PEG Clock X BCLK Ratio”. Although this allows users to adjust the CPU with greater

exibility, the whole thing becomes more complex and complicated overall. In order to

make OC easier for most users, MSI 9 series platform BIOS can automatically integrate

DMI/PEG Clock and BCLK Ratio. This way, overclockers only need to adjust the CPU

Base Clock for the BIOS to automatically tune the DMI/PEG Clock and BCLK Ratio.

This makes CPU Base Clock OC simpler on the Intel Z97 platform.

Intel 9 Series Platform OC Ability Comparison

CPU Frequency = CPU Base Clock X CPU Ratio

CPU Base Clock = DMI/PEG Clock X BCLK Ratio

GPU Frequency= BCLK /2 x GT Ratio

RAM Frequency = CPU Base Clock x 100/133MHz x DDR Ratio

CPU Ratio

Base Clock

RAM

GPU

Ο=Use K-SKU CPU Δ= Adjustable at limited range.

Z97 B85H97 / H81

Δ Δ

Ο Δ Δ

Ο Ο Ο

INTRODUCTION TO

BIOS OVERCLOCKING KEY ITEMS

The MSI Z97 mainboard OC items are accessible from the OC (Overclocking Setting) icon

on the left column. By clicking the icon, the OC Setting Menu will pop up.

Basically, the menu falls into two sections. The upper section provides options for frequency

OC, and the lower section contains options for voltage OC. The following will point out the

major options related to OC.

Simple/

Advanced

Mode

Extreme OC

Conﬁg

Enhanced

Turbo

CPU Base Clock

This feature enables the automatic shutdown of unnecessary

peripherals during LN2 overclocking, preventing other peripherals

from becoming unstable due to low temperatures, affecting the

stability of the overclocking.

After enabling this feature, the operating frequency of each core

in the CPU will tuned and xed to the highest value of the Intel

Turbo Boost for better efciency.

Manual adjusts CPU base clock. The BIOS will automatically

tune the related settings with reference to CPU base clock ratio,

in order to make base clock adjustment easier for users. After

adjusting the CPU base clock, the memory frequency will be

changed automatically.

As a result, when the Base Clock increases, the CPU Core

Voltage and DRAM Voltage will have to be concurrently increased

slightly, or the DRAM Ratio adjusted to lower the DRAM speed

to avoid scenarios where the effects between these 2 elements

causing the overclocking to fail.

Simple Mode offers a simple BIOS menu for general overclockers.

The Advanced Mode offers a comprehensive set of BIOS

overclocking options, allowing overclockers to have full control

over their overclocking to achieve the most optimal results.

-4

CPU Base

Clock Strap

CPU Ratio

Ring Ratio

GT Ratio

CPU PCIE PLL

& Filter PLL

Manually adjusts base

clock ratio strap. Users

who do not like automatic

tuning for the CPU base

clock can manually tune

individual items from this

option. After adjusting

the CPU base ratio, the

memory frequency will be

changed automatically.

It is not recommended

to adjust this option. MSI

BIOS will optimize the

setting automatically.

Ring, the CPU Cache called by Intel XTU, is an interface connecting

to each circuit inside the Haswell CPU. To adjust Ring Ratio would

have changed the ability and performance of CPU. MSI recommend

you not to adjust Ring Ratio higher than CPU Ratio.

It is for adjusting the frequency of the CPU built-in graphic chipset

(iGPU). Increasing the setting value will help improve the game

uency. Each increment in GT increases frequency by 50MHz.

Please remember to increase GT voltage as the frequency

increases.

These features are

PLL related settings

that may affect

the overclocking

potential of the CPU

core. However, MSI

has already helped

overclockers by

automatically selecting

the most optimal

settings; therefore

these 2 settings should

not be necessary in

normal overclocking.

Manual adjusts CPU ratio. Large range adjustments are available

only on the K CPUs. This option will not change memory frequency.

Adjusting the CPU Ratio is the fastest way of overclocking the CPU

frequency. Generally, it can be accomplished simply by increasing

the CPU Core Voltage. In cases where the system becomes

unstable due to overheating, users may consider increasing the

VCCIN Voltage.

DRAM

Frequency

Extreme

Memory

Proﬁle (X.M.P.)

Advanced

DRAM

Conﬁguration

DigitALL

Power

CPU Core

Voltage

Manual adjusts memory

frequency. This is the

memory ratio setup option,

with the maximum limit up

to DDR3-3200(MSI Spec.

Depend on CPU quality).

Although this option will

not change the CPU base

clock, users can change

memory frequency by

adjusting the CPU base

clock.

Quickly activates the Intel’s XMP automatic memory OC function

with suitable SPD timing value. However, users must use memory

modules supporting XMP.

Adjust the CPU core voltage. When CPU frequency increases in an

OC operation, it is necessary to increase voltage to ensure stable

CPU operations. In general overclocking, 1.3V is sufcient. If the

user plans to set to higher voltages, please take note of the heat

dissipation of the CPU’s heat sink.

Manually adjusts the SPD timing of memory. When memory OC

has exceeded the XMP’s upper limit, users will need to adjust the

SPD timing manually to successfully start the system.Generally, the

smaller the DRAM timing value, the faster the speed.

Also, users may select the Unlink Mode of individual memory or

simultaneously changing the DRAM timing value (Link Mode)

The feature contains overclocking options relating to PWM IC power

controls, which are comprised of Voltage Frequency and Power

Protection. MSI has practically helped overclockers by automatically

selecting the most optimal settings, but the CPU Switch Frequency

can be slightly increased to generally not more than 500 KHz to

help in overclocking. For the overclocking LN2, the frequency can

be increased depending on the situation. But please take note that

increasing frequencies will increase the power consumption of

temperature of the PWM at the same time.

-6

CPU Ring

Voltage

System Agent

Voltage

CPU I/O

Voltage

DRAM Voltage

Eventual DRAM

Voltage

PCH 1.05

Voltage

Adjust CPU Ring voltage. When overclocking Ring Ratio, it

is necessary to increase the Ring voltage to ensure CPU OC

stability.

Adjust the voltage of the internal memory controller (IMC) in the

CPU. Therefore, adjusting System Agent voltage may improve

memory OC stability.

It is also called the CPU VTT voltage. It is another IMC voltage.

It may also improve OC performance when memory is running at

high frequency in an OC operation.

The I/O Voltage in the BIOS is divided into Analog and Digital.

Adjusting these 2 sets of voltages may help with the overclocking

for some memory modules.

Adjust memory core voltage. When overclocking memory, it is

necessary to increase the DRAM voltage to ensure memory

stability.

This value denotes the actual effective voltage of the DRAM

after the BIOS Code. Unlike the actual effective voltage of the

DRAM after booting up, this feature only needs to be adjusted

depending on the overclocking characteristics of ICs on each

memory module.

When the overclocking of BCLK becomes unstable or failed,

users may try to adjust this voltage to increase the chances of a

successful boot. It is recommended that the maximum voltage

adjustment not go beyond 1.35V, or else the PCH chip may

overheat and become unstable.

CPU CORE SPEED OVERCLOCKING

As the CPU adopted the FiVR structure, the CPU die will generate a large amount of heat

easily during overclocking. Even with a very efcient heat sink, the dissipation of heat from

the CPU proved difcult. This undoubtedly presents a huge challenge for overclockers.

Therefore, the Haswell K-SKU CPU is capable of enduring continued loading stably even

when overclocked. To attempt to survive the Prime95 heat test, the frequency has to be set

at around 4.2 – 4.3 GHz. The voltage must also not be too high at around 1.2V for Core

Voltage. An advanced water cooled may also be needed.

If a burn-in test is not necessary, the frequency of an advanced water-cooled CPU may

overclocked up to around 4.8 – 4.9 GHz. This time, besides increasing the Core Voltage,

users may also try increasing the VCCIN and Ring Voltage to increase stability during

overclocking. Maximum overclocking of LN2 may allow it to go beyond 7GHz depending on

CPU quality.

Reference Setting ~ CPU Core 5GHz

Adjust CPU Ratio : 50X

CPU Core Voltage : 1.4V

VCCIN Voltage : 2.2V

-8

MEMORY SPEED OVERCLOCKING

The Z87 platform is best at overclocking memorys. The same, if not better, applies to the

Z97 as well. In general, the overclocking of memorys relies on the X.M.P function, but

overclocking products beyond DDR3-3200 with X.M.P is a rare and expensive option. But

in fact, with the use of certain techniques, it is still possible to let good quality memorys

operate at a higher frequency. Users should therefore make use of memory overclocking

features such as Load Memory Presets and Eventual DRAM Voltage.

Quoting the abovementioned example, we had taken a set of X.M.P DDR3-2666 memory

and subject it to CPU Base Clock and other related voltage adjustments, resulting in it

operating on par with a DDR3-3200 effortlessly. Please take note that for a higher rate of

success, besides the I/O voltage making, slight adjustments are needed depending on the

characteristics of the memorys onboard ICs.

Reference Setting ~ DDR3-3200MHz

DRAM Frequency : DDR3-2666

CPU Base Clock : 120MHz

SA Voltage : 1.1V

I/O Analog Voltage : 1.1V

I/O Digital Voltage : 1.1V

DRAM Voltage : 1.68V

200

400

600

800

1000

1200

1400

1600

1800

2000

3DMark06

1000

2000

3000

4000

5000

6000

7000

8000

9000

10000

11000

12000

8227

10726

3DMark11

P1261

P1585

3DMark Vantage

1000

2000

3000

4000

5000

6000

7000

8000

P6123

P7872

IGPU SPEED OVERCLOCKING

GT Ratio 25x50 (1250MHz) GT Ratio 32x50 (1600MHz)

The built-in Intel HD Graphics 4600 display chipset, support DirectX 11, can improve 3D

graphics performance by adjusting the GT Ratio.

Take the K SKU CPU as an example, GPU frequency is 1250MHz (calculated as

25x50=1250), and the clock will be up by 50MHz when Ratio value added 1x. Along with

the performance increasing, GPU voltage also has to be increased a certain ratio to keep

the system stabilization.

Please note that when the GPU is overclocked, it is only effective when the loading

frequency of 3D Graphic is present.

Reference Setting ~ IGPU 1600MHz

Adjust GT Ratio : 32X

CPU GT Voltage : 1.2V

-10

EXCLUSIVE MSI OC FUNCTIONS

OC Genie

Direct OC Button (Option)

MSI also equips the Z97 mainboards with the OC Genie function to facilitate users

without much OC experience to overclock the CPU, iGPU and memory more easily.

In addition, MSI implements OC Genie Mode2 switch to several models for power

users to have OC performance enhanced. A strong thermal solution must be needed

and the system might have OC failed by using improper system devices. For OCers

equipping better heat dissipation fan such as liquid cooling or customized one

The acclaimed Direct OC Button on the MSI old mainboards has revived in the MSI

Z97 mainboards. With the Direct OC Button, users can immediately overclock or

reduce the CPU base clock frequency after entering the OS. For example, users can

overclock the CPU base clock when playing games to enhance system performance.

OC experts can enter the OS at a lower base clock frequency and overclock the base

clock with the Direct OC Button to shorten the system loading time when entering the

OS.

In addition, Direct OC Button Software comes coupled with the OS, enabling dynamic

and instant overclocking options.

11-

Discharge (Option)

V-check Point (Option)

Slow Mode Switch (Option)

In cases where overclocking becomes

unstable or fails, pressing this button

will allow the mainboard to shut down,

discharge electricity, and subsequently

Clear CMOS. Unlike the normal Clear

CMOS function, the Discharge Button

is equivalent to clearing CMOS after

removing the buttery, and may prevent

occasional situations where CMOS is

not fully cleared.

“V-Check Points” detects voltage

for core components during

overclocking activities. There are

ve measure points at the edge of

this mainboard, allowing enthusiasts

to check relevant voltage values

through a multimeter.

After activating the Slow Mode Switch,

the CPU will boot into the OS at a

lowered frequency. Only when the Switch

is off that the system instantly returns

to its overclocked state. This function is

also available under LN2 environment.

After executing Benchmark to obtain

various results, it can be veried with

CPU-Z to break records in an instant.

-12

This BIOS feature comes inbuilt

with the frequently used parameters

when overclocking memorys to their

maximum capacity. These memorys

are mostly unique in terms of their

onboard ICs and characteristics,

requiring special adjustments and

often exceeding XMP standards.

Before using the Load Memory

Presets function, please nd out

MSI Z97 MPOWER MAX AC, Aegis R, MS-7885, MS-7885v4.0, MS-7888, MS-7914, MS-7915, X99A MPOWER, X99S MPOWER, Z97 MPOWER, Z97 XPOWER AC Quick start guide

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